What are the definitions of “drop by”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pay a brief visit.
He DROPPED BY on his way home from work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drop by”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drop by is to pay a brief, casual visit to someone or a place, often without a prior arrangement. It is used to describe stopping by someone's house or a location for a short period of time.
What are the different verb forms of “drop by”?
| Root Verb | drop by |
| Third Person Singular Present | drops by |
| Present Participle | dropping by |
| Simple Past | dropped by |
| Past Participle | dropped by |
Example
I will drop by your house after work.
Example
She drops by her parents' house every weekend.
Example
He is dropping by the store to pick up some groceries.
Example
Yesterday, they dropped by the party for a short time.
Example
We have dropped by their place a few times before.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drop by”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“drop by” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I dropped by the office to pick up some documents.
Example
She dropped by to say hello.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“drop by” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I dropped by the office to pick up some documents.
Example
She dropped by to say hello.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drop by”?
Good things to know
Does “drop by” have an informal or formal tone?
Drop by is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternatives such as 'visit' or 'stop by' may be more appropriate.
